These Penguins Aren’t Wearing Sweaters To Make A Fashion Statement

Little penguins wearing tiny sweaters is enough to warm anyone’s heart just on principle. Look at them for goodness’ sake! Once you find out that it’s not just for looks, you might melt into a puddle. The Penguin Foundation at Phillip Island Nature Parks uses knitted jumpers to help save penguins affected by oil pollution. It only takes a tiny amount of oil to kill a tiny penguin; the oil mats feathers and can lead to death from exposure and starvation. Additionally, penguins can be harmed by preening and ingesting the toxic oil.

That’s where the jumpers come in! When oiled penguins are admitted to the park’s clinic, they get a jumper to keep them warm and to stop them from preening. Some penguins even get superhero versions with capes like you see above (yes, those happen to be stuffed penguins)! If you like to knit, you can download the pattern here and create jumpers to send to the park. If you can’t knit, you can always donate.